On October 2, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) hosted a collaborative webinar focused on Ports and Inland Waterways, two of the 18 categories evaluated in the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.
In the 2025 report, Ports received the highest grade among all categories with a B, up from a B– in 2021. Inland Waterways improved to a C–, rising from a D+ in the previous report—a notable advancement reflecting recent federal investments.
The discussion featured panelists from Port Tampa Bay, Port Miami, and the U.S. Waterways Council, and was sponsored by Great Lakes Dock and Dredge, LLC. Panelists provided insights into the current state of these sectors, addressing key criteria such as capacity, condition, and resilience.
Key takeaways included:
- Ports are demonstrating resilience amid market fluctuations but rising demand and increasing facility costs pose future challenges.
- Inland Waterways have benefited from federal funding, which has helped reduce long-term needs. However, operation and maintenance costs remain high, and extreme weather continues to strain infrastructure.
The webinar recording is available below. Click here for the presentation slides.
